How long do chickens molt and not lay eggs?
Molting chickens redirect their energy from laying eggs to growing feathers. This results in a brief break from egg production. Molt typically lasts eight to 16 weeks, depending on the bird. Once she has a new set of feathers, egg production should return to normal.
Why are my chickens sluggish?
Lethargy could be caused simply by temperature extremes so warming or cooling a chicken would help. Hens can become egg bound completely blocking their digestive system. Poisons, disease, parasites and injury are possible causes of chicken lethargic. Next a lethargic chicken usually needs food and water.
Why are some of my chickens losing their feathers?
You will notice when you add new chickens to your existing flock there will also be some jostling for position in the pecking order and as a result some of your chickens will lose their feathers. This should settle down in a few days if you introduce the chickens to each other properly.
Why are my Chooks not laying any eggs?
But before you worry too much, know that it’s common for chooks to slow down in their laying habits from time to time. Have a peck at my top 3 reasons your chickens have stopped laying eggs: The Great Autumn Moult – Your chooks will naturally moult during Autumn.
Why do chickens pluck feathers from each other?
Chickens will pluck feathers from their companions for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes you will find that your chickens bully each other and peck each other. You will need to pay close attention to this as it can lead to full blown cannibalism. Any bullies should immediately be removed from the flock until the injured hen recovers.
Why do chickens stop laying eggs when they moult?
Finally, during a moult you will notice that the amount of eggs they lay will greatly reduce and most likely stop all together. This is because chickens need lots of protein to make eggs, but also, their feathers are 80% protein. So your chicken can either moult or lay eggs, it doesn’t have enough protein to do both at the same time.
You will notice when you add new chickens to your existing flock there will also be some jostling for position in the pecking order and as a result some of your chickens will lose their feathers. This should settle down in a few days if you introduce the chickens to each other properly.
But before you worry too much, know that it’s common for chooks to slow down in their laying habits from time to time. Have a peck at my top 3 reasons your chickens have stopped laying eggs: The Great Autumn Moult – Your chooks will naturally moult during Autumn.
Finally, during a moult you will notice that the amount of eggs they lay will greatly reduce and most likely stop all together. This is because chickens need lots of protein to make eggs, but also, their feathers are 80% protein. So your chicken can either moult or lay eggs, it doesn’t have enough protein to do both at the same time.
Chickens will pluck feathers from their companions for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes you will find that your chickens bully each other and peck each other. You will need to pay close attention to this as it can lead to full blown cannibalism. Any bullies should immediately be removed from the flock until the injured hen recovers.
